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Visiting Oman

55

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 01 January 2011 - 21:09

We are off to Oman next week with relatives (from UK) over here on hol. We are staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Muscat - has anyone stayed there recently? Any tips for eating (in hotel or outside) and things to see/places to go in Muscat? Also, what are the visa costs at the border and is your car searched for b**ze? TIA for any info.

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MuscatSarah39212

13

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 28 March 2011 - 10:02

Just so you know you don't have to go that far to find Turtles, we were camping on a beach with some friends just outside Finns on route to Sur last weekend, and in the morning we saw about 10 turtles at the little beach we were at, was lovely to watch.! Also saw a snake and two scorpions, first time we've seen scorpions while camping, and about a million crabs, two camels and a donkey! Don't get that camping in the UK..!

18

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 17 February 2011 - 15:33

have fun

1046

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 19:13

Thank you Fenella, very helpful.

2

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 17:20

Hello Sue R, When you come out of the airport there is a taxi office to your right at the arrivals door, you wont need to negotiate with the driver as the price will be told to you via the office, but it should be around seven rials from the airport to the Cowne Plaza, if you need to get a taxi from the hotel to the Maatrah Souq you could arrange it through the hotel reception. If you need a taxi back from the souk there are plenty to be had and it should not be a problem finding one, but fix a price before you get in and be prepared to haggle, from the Souq to the hotel should be around two rials. The Crowne Plaza is a fine hotel, we have dined there many times, it is in a good spot, I hope you have a wonderful holiday, you will love the Souq Im sure, it is a great experience and quite busy at the week ends.

1046

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2011 - 11:29

We are visiting Muscat this weekend for the first time. Could someone kindly tell me approx how much we should pay for a taxi from the Airport to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and also from the Crowne Plaza to the Old Souk in Muttrah. Just an idea would help as we've been warned we'll get ripped off!! Are taxis metered or do you need to haggle and agree a price before starting the journey. Thanks.

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 13:51

Visas to Oman went up from Dh60 to Dh200 a couple months back. At the Hatta border the vehicle search is random and I am . Sometimes I have to open the car, other times I don't. Sometimes they look through a box or suitcase or ask questions (what is the cat litter for?, do I have any meat?). Usually it is a cursory glance, but you never know. To bring in alcohol you can put clear spirits in a Masafi bottle, red wine in a bottle of red juice (can't remember the name of it, but it starts with an "R"), but beer is a little more difficult and must be well hidden. Keep in mind that transporting alcohol is illegal and you may be the one who has an accident or is searched at the border and gets caught. Ask yourself if it's worth it.

39

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 11:52

the do search EVERY car its not random!!! but i if you smile nicely and say hello (pref in Arabic) it's just a quick glance into your boot then you're waved on your way. If you bring booze you could try and hide it, i guess the worst that could happen it it gets confiscated. Sara65 - try Come Prima at the CP for fab Italian.....hotel is old but amazing views. also Left Bank and Mumtaz Mahal are nearby, both decently priced for wine etc. Tomato at InterCon is lovely to sit outside. And The Chedi is well worth a visit. Get the Time Out Muscat for ideas. Enjoy!

1913

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 02 January 2011 - 05:26

FYI Petrol is now cheaper in Oman than in the UAE.

1913

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 02 January 2011 - 05:26

If your UK visitors have entered the UAE within 9 days then there is no charge for their visa at Hatta. Otherwise, if they are here on a visit visa, it will cost them 200 dhs each for their Omani visa.

210

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 January 2011 - 02:11

PS: If you take alcohol just pack it in your suitcases. Likewise cigarettes if any of you smoke. After getting your exit stamp from the UAE at Hatta you'll pass through Oman customs where you'll be asked to open your boot/the back of your car. The usually charming customs officer will give you a piece of paper. Keep this with you at all times as you'll need to hand it over the the Omani border guard at the last check point after you've been through the Omani immigration office where you'll get your passports stamped to allow you into Oman.

210

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 02 January 2011 - 01:54

CP is probably one of the oldest hotels in Muscat but, in our opinion, has one of the best positions. It's where we always, always stay when we visit Muscat. We were there 3 weeks' ago for probably our 8th visit. Don't expect swanky Dubai type hotel rooms - if you do you'll be disappointed. If you're driving to Muscat expect to be stopped and perhaps have to show your passports before you get to Hatta. And at Hatta, the Dubai side of the Immigration Office where you get your exit stamp is under reconstruction so beware. At the CP we always enjoy eating outside when we can. There's a great English type bar, Dukes, which has an outside terrace, also an Italian and a Persian restaurant with outside seating. Alternatively there's the restaurant by the Pool Bar which now does an 'en papillote' style menu - fish, chicken cooked in a variety of styles (Thai, Indian and another) which is also good. There's also the Tropicana which is the hotel's buffet restaurant. These are all licenced. You can also walk down the hill to Japengo (not licenced). If you're prepared to drive (or get a taxi) then Woodlands in Ruwi is a brilliant Indian restaurant, also licenced to sell liquor. Another Indian restaurant a lot closer is Mumtaz Mahal (also licensed) which is about a 3rial taxi drive away and is situated just above Left Bank bar. You don't say how long you're staying but would recommend the Mosque, Mutrah Souk, the Armed Forces Museum and, if you have the time and your own transport a trip out to Nizwa. Or lunch at the Shangri-La. Have a great time ...

1184

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 01 January 2011 - 21:19

We are off to Oman next week with relatives (from UK) over here on hol. We are staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Muscat - has anyone stayed there recently? Any tips for eating (in hotel or outside) and things to see/places to go in Muscat? Also, what are the visa costs at the border and is your car searched for b**ze? TIA for any info. visa cost is 50 AED per person. you must have a certificate of car insurance that has cover for oman. search is random.

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